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..::Football III::..
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Reims 0-3 Paris Saint-Germain: Unbeaten visitors extend lead at top of Ligue 1
Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup in Brazil next year behind him by helping Paris Saint-Germain to continue their unbeaten run with a comprehensive victory over Reims.
Laurent Blanc's men headed into the game four points clear at the top of the table but will have been wary of a Reims team that were the last to beat them in the French top flight.
The defending champions have been in sparkling form since that 1-0 defeat back in March, and the capital club made no mistake on this occasion as they made it 25 league games without losing.
Lucas Moura opened the scoring midway through the first half with only his second goal in a PSG shirt, before Jeremy Menez's emphatic close-range finish doubled the advantage just before the hour mark.
Hubert Fournier's side wasted a host of chances, including a missed penalty from Grzegorz Krychowiak - scorer of the winning goal in last season's fixture - and they were punished by Ibrahimovic's late effort.
Edinson Cavani was left out of the PSG starting XI as Blanc made five changes to the side that beat Nice 3-1 prior to the international break, while Reims made four alterations from their 0-0 draw with Lorient, Gaetan Courtet named as the lone striker in their attack.
The visitors came close to falling behind early as Salvatore Sirigu produced an excellent save to keep out Aissa Mandi's close-range header.
After a quiet opening for PSG, Brazil international Lucas broke the deadlock as he powered a shot past Agassa after Ibrahimovic played him through on goal with a wonderfully deft pass that split the Reims defence.
The hosts offered little as an attacking threat for most of the half, but Sirigu had to produce another fine stop to keep out Mickael Tacalfred's deflected effort, before Marco Verratti cleared off the line after the Italian goalkeeper had fumbled a corner.
Still, it was PSG that continued to create the better opportunities, and they were denied once more by Agassa, who smartly stopped Menez's effort.
But, PSG did increase their advantage three minutes before the hour mark, Menez latching on to a clever pass from Verratti to fire home at the near post after Christophe Jallet had cut through the Reims midfield with a surging run.
Fournier's men pushed on and Mads Albaek was denied by the impressive Sirigu, who was not required to keep Krychowiak's penalty out as the Pole blazed over from 12 yards.
That proved to be to Reims' last real opening as PSG eased to a comfortable victory, which was sealed in bizarre fashion as Ibrahimovic shot into an empty net after Agassa's throw had bounced off Tacalfred.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup in Brazil next year behind him by helping Paris Saint-Germain to continue their unbeaten run with a comprehensive victory over Reims.
Laurent Blanc's men headed into the game four points clear at the top of the table but will have been wary of a Reims team that were the last to beat them in the French top flight.
The defending champions have been in sparkling form since that 1-0 defeat back in March, and the capital club made no mistake on this occasion as they made it 25 league games without losing.
Lucas Moura opened the scoring midway through the first half with only his second goal in a PSG shirt, before Jeremy Menez's emphatic close-range finish doubled the advantage just before the hour mark.
Hubert Fournier's side wasted a host of chances, including a missed penalty from Grzegorz Krychowiak - scorer of the winning goal in last season's fixture - and they were punished by Ibrahimovic's late effort.
Edinson Cavani was left out of the PSG starting XI as Blanc made five changes to the side that beat Nice 3-1 prior to the international break, while Reims made four alterations from their 0-0 draw with Lorient, Gaetan Courtet named as the lone striker in their attack.
The visitors came close to falling behind early as Salvatore Sirigu produced an excellent save to keep out Aissa Mandi's close-range header.
After a quiet opening for PSG, Brazil international Lucas broke the deadlock as he powered a shot past Agassa after Ibrahimovic played him through on goal with a wonderfully deft pass that split the Reims defence.
The hosts offered little as an attacking threat for most of the half, but Sirigu had to produce another fine stop to keep out Mickael Tacalfred's deflected effort, before Marco Verratti cleared off the line after the Italian goalkeeper had fumbled a corner.
Still, it was PSG that continued to create the better opportunities, and they were denied once more by Agassa, who smartly stopped Menez's effort.
But, PSG did increase their advantage three minutes before the hour mark, Menez latching on to a clever pass from Verratti to fire home at the near post after Christophe Jallet had cut through the Reims midfield with a surging run.
Fournier's men pushed on and Mads Albaek was denied by the impressive Sirigu, who was not required to keep Krychowiak's penalty out as the Pole blazed over from 12 yards.
That proved to be to Reims' last real opening as PSG eased to a comfortable victory, which was sealed in bizarre fashion as Ibrahimovic shot into an empty net after Agassa's throw had bounced off Tacalfred.
Arsenal 2-0 Southampton: Giroud double extends Gunners’ lead at the top
Arsenal got back on track with a 2-0 win against Southampton, with goalkeeper Artur Boruc entering into the spirit of pantomime season at the Emirates Stadium.
Following their dispiriting defeat to Manchester United before the international break, Arsene Wenger's Premier League leaders started brightly against their high-flying opponents, with Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey both hitting the post.
They led midway through the first half when Olivier Giroud capitalised on an inexplicable error from Boruc, who tried to dribble past the France international only to get himself in an awful tangle.
An impressive collective response was typical of a Southampton side who remain third in the table - for the time being - but Giroud completed his brace and made it 10 goals for the season from the penalty spot after Jose Fonte pulled back Per Mertesacker at an 85th-minute corner.
Southampton were dealt a blow ahead of kick-off, which was delayed by 15 minutes due to disruption on the Piccadilly line, with news that centre-back Dejan Lovren was ruled out due to illness. Jos Hooiveld came in for his first Premier League appearance of the season.
Theo Walcott returned to the Arsenal bench following two months out with an abdominal injury, while Mertesacker was back at the heart of defence following his midweek goalscoring heroics for Germany at Wembley.
Wilshere replaced the suspended Mathieu Flamini in midfield and almost opened the scoring after 10 minutes when his deft, lofted effort bounced back off the post and into Boruc's grateful arms.
The same upright was tested via Ramsey's audacious backheel from Mesut Ozil's cross - but Boruc's post could not save him after a moment of madness in the 22nd minute.
Upon receiving a routine backpass from Nathaniel Clyne, he loitered terribly before an embarrassing attempt to turn Giroud resulted in the Frenchman stroking the ball into an unguarded net.
Southampton forced Wojciech Szczesny into his first save of the match after 32 minutes when Mikel Arteta miscued a clearance and Adam Lallana's speculative left-footer was pushed over. The Arsenal goalkeeper then reacted superbly to thwart Jay Rodriguez's snap shot.
Luke Shaw struggled through much of the first half with a leg problem and was replaced by Steven Davis, with James Ward-Prowse reverting to right-back and Clyne filling Southampton's vacant left-back slot.
The reshuffle did not interrupt the visitors' momentum as they resumed brightly and Lallana thudded a drive into Szczesny's chest, meaning eyebrows were raised when the same player made way for Dani Osvaldo in the 52nd minute.
Having laboured under Southampton's trademark high press, Arsenal responded impressively and Ozil cleverly engineered space in the area to test Boruc at his near post.
Osvaldo called Szczesny into action at the end of a driving 74th minute run at the other end.
Walcott was afforded a rapturous reception on his introduction and might have given Arsenal breathing space when he fired wide on the break before Giroud ensured a four-point lead at the summit with his composed spot-kick.
Arsenal got back on track with a 2-0 win against Southampton, with goalkeeper Artur Boruc entering into the spirit of pantomime season at the Emirates Stadium.
Following their dispiriting defeat to Manchester United before the international break, Arsene Wenger's Premier League leaders started brightly against their high-flying opponents, with Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey both hitting the post.
They led midway through the first half when Olivier Giroud capitalised on an inexplicable error from Boruc, who tried to dribble past the France international only to get himself in an awful tangle.
An impressive collective response was typical of a Southampton side who remain third in the table - for the time being - but Giroud completed his brace and made it 10 goals for the season from the penalty spot after Jose Fonte pulled back Per Mertesacker at an 85th-minute corner.
Southampton were dealt a blow ahead of kick-off, which was delayed by 15 minutes due to disruption on the Piccadilly line, with news that centre-back Dejan Lovren was ruled out due to illness. Jos Hooiveld came in for his first Premier League appearance of the season.
Theo Walcott returned to the Arsenal bench following two months out with an abdominal injury, while Mertesacker was back at the heart of defence following his midweek goalscoring heroics for Germany at Wembley.
Wilshere replaced the suspended Mathieu Flamini in midfield and almost opened the scoring after 10 minutes when his deft, lofted effort bounced back off the post and into Boruc's grateful arms.
The same upright was tested via Ramsey's audacious backheel from Mesut Ozil's cross - but Boruc's post could not save him after a moment of madness in the 22nd minute.
Upon receiving a routine backpass from Nathaniel Clyne, he loitered terribly before an embarrassing attempt to turn Giroud resulted in the Frenchman stroking the ball into an unguarded net.
Southampton forced Wojciech Szczesny into his first save of the match after 32 minutes when Mikel Arteta miscued a clearance and Adam Lallana's speculative left-footer was pushed over. The Arsenal goalkeeper then reacted superbly to thwart Jay Rodriguez's snap shot.
Luke Shaw struggled through much of the first half with a leg problem and was replaced by Steven Davis, with James Ward-Prowse reverting to right-back and Clyne filling Southampton's vacant left-back slot.
The reshuffle did not interrupt the visitors' momentum as they resumed brightly and Lallana thudded a drive into Szczesny's chest, meaning eyebrows were raised when the same player made way for Dani Osvaldo in the 52nd minute.
Having laboured under Southampton's trademark high press, Arsenal responded impressively and Ozil cleverly engineered space in the area to test Boruc at his near post.
Osvaldo called Szczesny into action at the end of a driving 74th minute run at the other end.
Walcott was afforded a rapturous reception on his introduction and might have given Arsenal breathing space when he fired wide on the break before Giroud ensured a four-point lead at the summit with his composed spot-kick.
Hull 0-1 Crystal Palace: Bannan completes smash and grab raid for 10-man Eagles
New Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis watched from the stands as his men sealed a long-awaited victory against Hull.
The former Stoke boss was confirmed before the match as the man to fill the void left by Ian Holloway at the end of October, and he saw Barry Bannan's strike end an eight-match winless run in the Premier League despite Yannick Bolasie's dismissal.
Bolasie, who had been one of Palace's better players, saw red with 13 minutes to go for a foul on Jake Livermore, but the visitors showed remarkable resilience to wrap up three vital points to move off the foot of the table.
Palace survived a late scare when Livermore hit the woodwork before the visitors scrambled it clear, earning them just their second league win of the campaign.
Hull manager Steve Bruce opted to make three changes from the side that lost 4-1 to Southampton last time round, with Allan McGregor returning following a lengthy thigh injury, while Robert Koren replaced Liam Rosenior.
There was just one change for the visitors, with caretaker boss Keith Millen opting to bolster their attack by including Dwight Gayle at the expense of Jerome Thomas.
It was the hosts who started the brighter and Yannick Sagbo squandered a fine chance to put them ahead after just two minutes, steering a low shot just wide of the post from close range.
Bolasie was Palace's most positive attacking outlet but he struggled to make a meaningful impact without the help of his team-mates and became increasingly isolated as the half wore on.
The game remained primarily a midfield battle before the break, though Robbie Brady did nod wide for the hosts, while George Boyd finally tested Julian Speroni with a powerful effort in the 42nd minute.
There was action at either end early in the second half, Sagbo firing straight at Speroni before Gayle was thwarted at the end of a swift counter-attack.
The visitors had another fine chance in the 65th minute, and it fell to Bolasie, but after weaving through a number of players his hurried shot went well wide of the mark.
Bolasie's next involvement saw his day come to a premature end after he lunged in on Livermore, but Bannan stunned the home crowd with a low effort from inside the box with just nine minutes left.
Hull threw men forward late on and almost levelled when Livermore hit the post but the visitors held on.
New Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis watched from the stands as his men sealed a long-awaited victory against Hull.
The former Stoke boss was confirmed before the match as the man to fill the void left by Ian Holloway at the end of October, and he saw Barry Bannan's strike end an eight-match winless run in the Premier League despite Yannick Bolasie's dismissal.
Bolasie, who had been one of Palace's better players, saw red with 13 minutes to go for a foul on Jake Livermore, but the visitors showed remarkable resilience to wrap up three vital points to move off the foot of the table.
Palace survived a late scare when Livermore hit the woodwork before the visitors scrambled it clear, earning them just their second league win of the campaign.
Hull manager Steve Bruce opted to make three changes from the side that lost 4-1 to Southampton last time round, with Allan McGregor returning following a lengthy thigh injury, while Robert Koren replaced Liam Rosenior.
There was just one change for the visitors, with caretaker boss Keith Millen opting to bolster their attack by including Dwight Gayle at the expense of Jerome Thomas.
It was the hosts who started the brighter and Yannick Sagbo squandered a fine chance to put them ahead after just two minutes, steering a low shot just wide of the post from close range.
Bolasie was Palace's most positive attacking outlet but he struggled to make a meaningful impact without the help of his team-mates and became increasingly isolated as the half wore on.
The game remained primarily a midfield battle before the break, though Robbie Brady did nod wide for the hosts, while George Boyd finally tested Julian Speroni with a powerful effort in the 42nd minute.
There was action at either end early in the second half, Sagbo firing straight at Speroni before Gayle was thwarted at the end of a swift counter-attack.
The visitors had another fine chance in the 65th minute, and it fell to Bolasie, but after weaving through a number of players his hurried shot went well wide of the mark.
Bolasie's next involvement saw his day come to a premature end after he lunged in on Livermore, but Bannan stunned the home crowd with a low effort from inside the box with just nine minutes left.
Hull threw men forward late on and almost levelled when Livermore hit the post but the visitors held on.
Stoke 2-0 Sunderland: Adam & N’Zonzi deal Poyet’s strugglers a damaging blow
Stoke City saw off the threat of Gus Poyet's newly energised Sunderland side to come away from Saturday's Premier League meeting with a valuable 2-0 win.
Charlie Adam was in the thick of the action in the first half, opening the scoring on the half-hour mark before being involved in the incident that saw Wes Brown sent off nine minutes before half-time.
Brown was adjudged to have recklessly tackled the former Liverpool midfielder and was given his marching orders.
Steven N'Zonzi, having set up the opener, doubled Stoke's lead nine minutes from the end as Mark Hughes' men made the most of their numerical advantage to record a first Premier League win since the end of August.
The result moves Stoke three points clear of the relegation places and drops Sunderland to bottom.
Hughes made one change to his Stoke starting line-up, with Glenn Whelan coming in for Wilson Palacios, while Sunderland manager Gus Poyet named an unchanged team from the one that garnered a 1-0 win over Manchester City prior to the international break.
It was Sunderland who were first to find their rhythm. Adam Johnson and Emanuele Giaccherini combined to set up Jack Colback, whose shot was blocked, before Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic brilliantly denied Steven Fletcher from a one-on-one opportunity.
Despite the clever passing of Adam and some neat touches from Peter Crouch, Stoke struggled to create a meaningful chance until breaking the deadlock after half an hour.
N'Zonzi raced on to Geoff Cameron's long punt forward, held it up and stroked the ball back to the onrushing Adam, who stroked into the bottom corner from just inside the box for his third goal of the season.
Things got considerably worse for Sunderland on 35 minutes when Brown appeared to have made a fair sliding challenge on Adam, but referee Kevin Friend adjudged that the 34-year-old defender had dangerously fouled the Scot in the process and sent him off.
Stoke enjoyed much of the possession at the start of the second half.
However, both Jonathan Walters and Crouch failed to connect with an inviting Cameron cross, before Adam burst through the midfield but failed to keep his shot down.
Johnson found space on the edge of the opposition box on 70 minutes, but the winger, who scored a fine strike for Manchester City against Stoke in the 2011-12 season, dragged his shot wide.
Begovic had to be alert to race from his line and, with an outstretched leg, clear the ball ahead of the advances of Fletcher. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international caught the Scotland striker in the process, but Sunderland’s appeals for a penalty were waved away.
Sunderland were enjoying a good spell of pressure, but were hit on the counter-attack with nine minutes remaining. Adam fed Couch, who slid the ball between two defenders for N'Zonzi to clip it homeand become Stoke's 10th scorer in the Premier League this season.
Stoke City saw off the threat of Gus Poyet's newly energised Sunderland side to come away from Saturday's Premier League meeting with a valuable 2-0 win.
Charlie Adam was in the thick of the action in the first half, opening the scoring on the half-hour mark before being involved in the incident that saw Wes Brown sent off nine minutes before half-time.
Brown was adjudged to have recklessly tackled the former Liverpool midfielder and was given his marching orders.
Steven N'Zonzi, having set up the opener, doubled Stoke's lead nine minutes from the end as Mark Hughes' men made the most of their numerical advantage to record a first Premier League win since the end of August.
The result moves Stoke three points clear of the relegation places and drops Sunderland to bottom.
Hughes made one change to his Stoke starting line-up, with Glenn Whelan coming in for Wilson Palacios, while Sunderland manager Gus Poyet named an unchanged team from the one that garnered a 1-0 win over Manchester City prior to the international break.
It was Sunderland who were first to find their rhythm. Adam Johnson and Emanuele Giaccherini combined to set up Jack Colback, whose shot was blocked, before Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic brilliantly denied Steven Fletcher from a one-on-one opportunity.
Despite the clever passing of Adam and some neat touches from Peter Crouch, Stoke struggled to create a meaningful chance until breaking the deadlock after half an hour.
N'Zonzi raced on to Geoff Cameron's long punt forward, held it up and stroked the ball back to the onrushing Adam, who stroked into the bottom corner from just inside the box for his third goal of the season.
Things got considerably worse for Sunderland on 35 minutes when Brown appeared to have made a fair sliding challenge on Adam, but referee Kevin Friend adjudged that the 34-year-old defender had dangerously fouled the Scot in the process and sent him off.
Stoke enjoyed much of the possession at the start of the second half.
However, both Jonathan Walters and Crouch failed to connect with an inviting Cameron cross, before Adam burst through the midfield but failed to keep his shot down.
Johnson found space on the edge of the opposition box on 70 minutes, but the winger, who scored a fine strike for Manchester City against Stoke in the 2011-12 season, dragged his shot wide.
Begovic had to be alert to race from his line and, with an outstretched leg, clear the ball ahead of the advances of Fletcher. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international caught the Scotland striker in the process, but Sunderland’s appeals for a penalty were waved away.
Sunderland were enjoying a good spell of pressure, but were hit on the counter-attack with nine minutes remaining. Adam fed Couch, who slid the ball between two defenders for N'Zonzi to clip it homeand become Stoke's 10th scorer in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle 2-1 Norwich: Remy & Gouffran condemn Canaries
Loic Remy scored his eighth goal in as many matches as Newcastle recorded a 2-1 victory over Norwich.
The Frenchman put the hosts ahead inside two minutes, before compatriot Yoan Gouffran scored a second before the break.
Leroy Fer pulled a goal back for the visitors 10 minutes from time, but it was too little too late for Chris Hughton's men.
Newcastle have now won three consecutive Premier League fixtures for the first time in 19 months, while Norwich have just one victory from their last six matches.
Alan Pardew made one change from the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 prior to the international break, with wantaway Fabricio Coloccini coming in for the suspended Mathieu Debuchy.
Former Newcastle boss Hughton, meanwhile, made two changes to the Norwich XI that won 3-1 against West Ham last time out, with Bradley Johnson and Nathan Redmond replacing Robert Snodgrass and Johan Elmander.
It didn’t take long for the hosts to break the deadlock, as a second-minute Yohan Cabaye corner evaded the Norwich defence to find Remy lurking at the back post, and the Frenchman made no mistake in heading his eighth goal in as many appearances.
The visitors caused panic in the Newcastle defence after 13 minutes as an Anthony Pilkington free-kick resulted in a goalmouth scramble, but Shola Ameobi was on hand to clear the danger.
Moussa Sissoko screwed an effort narrowly wide of the left post just after the half hour, and Newcastle were almost made to pay for that wasted opportunity as a Pilkington header crept just wide of the target.
However, Gouffran doubled the home advantage seven minutes before the break when John Ruddy spilled an Ameobi header into the path of the winger, who prodded home the rebound for his third league goal of the season.
Ameobi drew a terrific diving save from Ruddy on the stroke of half-time from 25 yards, with the goalkeeper doing well to push the ball beyond his right-hand post and out for a corner.
Pilkington was forced off with a hamstring problem just after the restart, and the visitors continued to struggle to pose too much of a threat to Tim Krul’s goal.
Newcastle switched to a more defensive approach in the second 45 minutes, rarely venturing too far into the Norwich half.
With goalscoring opportunities at a premium, Fer managed to get his head to a Martin Olsson cross in the 73rd minute, but sent his effort harmlessly over the crossbar.
However, Fer made amends seven minutes later, rising brilliantly to send a powerful header into the bottom right-hand corner of the net from 12 yards after Nathan Redmond corner's, but it proved a mere consolation for Norwich.
Loic Remy scored his eighth goal in as many matches as Newcastle recorded a 2-1 victory over Norwich.
The Frenchman put the hosts ahead inside two minutes, before compatriot Yoan Gouffran scored a second before the break.
Leroy Fer pulled a goal back for the visitors 10 minutes from time, but it was too little too late for Chris Hughton's men.
Newcastle have now won three consecutive Premier League fixtures for the first time in 19 months, while Norwich have just one victory from their last six matches.
Alan Pardew made one change from the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 prior to the international break, with wantaway Fabricio Coloccini coming in for the suspended Mathieu Debuchy.
Former Newcastle boss Hughton, meanwhile, made two changes to the Norwich XI that won 3-1 against West Ham last time out, with Bradley Johnson and Nathan Redmond replacing Robert Snodgrass and Johan Elmander.
It didn’t take long for the hosts to break the deadlock, as a second-minute Yohan Cabaye corner evaded the Norwich defence to find Remy lurking at the back post, and the Frenchman made no mistake in heading his eighth goal in as many appearances.
The visitors caused panic in the Newcastle defence after 13 minutes as an Anthony Pilkington free-kick resulted in a goalmouth scramble, but Shola Ameobi was on hand to clear the danger.
Moussa Sissoko screwed an effort narrowly wide of the left post just after the half hour, and Newcastle were almost made to pay for that wasted opportunity as a Pilkington header crept just wide of the target.
However, Gouffran doubled the home advantage seven minutes before the break when John Ruddy spilled an Ameobi header into the path of the winger, who prodded home the rebound for his third league goal of the season.
Ameobi drew a terrific diving save from Ruddy on the stroke of half-time from 25 yards, with the goalkeeper doing well to push the ball beyond his right-hand post and out for a corner.
Pilkington was forced off with a hamstring problem just after the restart, and the visitors continued to struggle to pose too much of a threat to Tim Krul’s goal.
Newcastle switched to a more defensive approach in the second 45 minutes, rarely venturing too far into the Norwich half.
With goalscoring opportunities at a premium, Fer managed to get his head to a Martin Olsson cross in the 73rd minute, but sent his effort harmlessly over the crossbar.
However, Fer made amends seven minutes later, rising brilliantly to send a powerful header into the bottom right-hand corner of the net from 12 yards after Nathan Redmond corner's, but it proved a mere consolation for Norwich.
Fulham 1-2 Swansea: Shelvey piles pressure on Jol
Swansea City came away from Saturday's Premier League trip to Craven Cottage with all three points and ensured that the growing pressure on Fulham boss Martin Jol shows no sign of relieving.
A fortuitous Scott Parker effort just after the hour mark looked to have earned Fulham a 1-1 draw, but Shelvey weaved through the home defence and buried the ball into the top corner with 10 minutes left to end Swansea's three-game winless streak in the top flight.
The hosts created the better of the first-half openings with Darren Bent twice going close but fell behind to Aaron Hughes' own goal early in the second half.
They managed to draw level when Parker's cross-shot found the far corner, but they were consigned to a fourth straight league defeat by Shelvey's 20-yard drive.
After a lacklustre opening, Bent could have handed Fulham the advantage, first heading wide when unmarked at the far post before then rifling an effort against the woodwork.
Swansea improved in the second half, though, and found the breakthrough on 56 minutes when Hughes turned in Jonathan de Guzman's cross.
Fulham soon bounced back and restored parity nine minutes later with Parker's fortunate strike but Shelvey had the final say with his fine solo goal late on.
Bent and Bryan Ruiz were restored to Fulham's starting XI after the 4-0 drubbing at Liverpool last time out, while Michel Vorm returned from suspension for Swansea.
After a slow opening, the visitors began to settle and almost took the lead in the 25th minute when Roland Lamah's effort deflected off Hughes and nearly crept in with Maarten Stekelenburg wrong-footed.
Having seen off that danger, Fulham had a spell of pressure and should have gone in front soon after when Parker's perfectly weighted cross was met by Bent at the back post, only for the striker to head uncharacteristically wide.
And Swansea were once again let off the hook as Bent hit the woodwork just after the half-hour mark. The ball sat up perfectly for the striker on the right side of the box and his half-volley rebounded off the post.
But the hosts could have been punished for their profligacy three minutes before the break. Derek Boateng was caught in possession by Jose Canas, whose through-ball found Nathan Dyer only for the winger to shoot straight at Stekelenburg.
Swansea upped the tempo in the second half and took the lead 11 minutes after the interval. A quick free-kick led to De Guzman drilling in a low cross that was inadvertently bundled home by Hughes.
Their lead was short-lived, however, as a short corner was played to Parker and his attempted cross took a deflection and found the top corner after evading Canas on the line.
But Michael Laudrup's men were not to be denied and restored their advantage when Shelvey held off two challenges before firing into the top corner to earn Swansea their first league success since a 4-0 win over Sunderland on October 19.
Swansea City came away from Saturday's Premier League trip to Craven Cottage with all three points and ensured that the growing pressure on Fulham boss Martin Jol shows no sign of relieving.
A fortuitous Scott Parker effort just after the hour mark looked to have earned Fulham a 1-1 draw, but Shelvey weaved through the home defence and buried the ball into the top corner with 10 minutes left to end Swansea's three-game winless streak in the top flight.
The hosts created the better of the first-half openings with Darren Bent twice going close but fell behind to Aaron Hughes' own goal early in the second half.
They managed to draw level when Parker's cross-shot found the far corner, but they were consigned to a fourth straight league defeat by Shelvey's 20-yard drive.
After a lacklustre opening, Bent could have handed Fulham the advantage, first heading wide when unmarked at the far post before then rifling an effort against the woodwork.
Swansea improved in the second half, though, and found the breakthrough on 56 minutes when Hughes turned in Jonathan de Guzman's cross.
Fulham soon bounced back and restored parity nine minutes later with Parker's fortunate strike but Shelvey had the final say with his fine solo goal late on.
Bent and Bryan Ruiz were restored to Fulham's starting XI after the 4-0 drubbing at Liverpool last time out, while Michel Vorm returned from suspension for Swansea.
After a slow opening, the visitors began to settle and almost took the lead in the 25th minute when Roland Lamah's effort deflected off Hughes and nearly crept in with Maarten Stekelenburg wrong-footed.
Having seen off that danger, Fulham had a spell of pressure and should have gone in front soon after when Parker's perfectly weighted cross was met by Bent at the back post, only for the striker to head uncharacteristically wide.
And Swansea were once again let off the hook as Bent hit the woodwork just after the half-hour mark. The ball sat up perfectly for the striker on the right side of the box and his half-volley rebounded off the post.
But the hosts could have been punished for their profligacy three minutes before the break. Derek Boateng was caught in possession by Jose Canas, whose through-ball found Nathan Dyer only for the winger to shoot straight at Stekelenburg.
Swansea upped the tempo in the second half and took the lead 11 minutes after the interval. A quick free-kick led to De Guzman drilling in a low cross that was inadvertently bundled home by Hughes.
Their lead was short-lived, however, as a short corner was played to Parker and his attempted cross took a deflection and found the top corner after evading Canas on the line.
But Michael Laudrup's men were not to be denied and restored their advantage when Shelvey held off two challenges before firing into the top corner to earn Swansea their first league success since a 4-0 win over Sunderland on October 19.
Barcelona 4-0 Granada: Ruthless Barca make light of Messi absence
Barcelona cruised to victory against Granada without Lionel Messi to extend their winning run to five league games.
First-half penalties from Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas had Barca on cruise control before Lucas Alcaraz's men were reduced to 10 men following Manuel Iturra's second yellow card early in the second half.
The Blaugrana took advantage of the extra man when Alexis Sanchez struck in the 71st minute and Pedro completed the rout a minute from time at Camp Nou, making light work of Messi's enforced absence.
Barca's victory was their fifth in succession and their 13th in 14 overall in La Liga, while the setback for Granada came as a blow after winning three of their past four matches.
Barcelona made six changes from the 4-1 win over Betis a fortnight ago with Messi (hamstring) and Valdes (calf) among a host of absentees for Martino, while Granada showed three alterations from their 3-1 win over Malaga.
The hosts went close in the 14th minute as Roberto reacted smartly to parry Neymar's free-kick from the left.
But Barca did not have to wait long for the breakthrough as six minutes later Fabregas was brought down in the box by Dimitri Foulquier and Iniesta stepped up to plant the subsequent spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner.
Granada almost responded in spectacular fashion four minutes later, Piti driving forward and unleashing a thunderous effort from 25 yards that cannoned off the crossbar and behind to safety.
Jose Pinto, called in as replacement for Valdes, held Piti's 25-yard free-kick on the half-hour mark, before Barca doubled their lead five minutes before the break, again from the penalty spot.
Fran Rico brought down Iniesta as he prepared to shoot and this time Fabregas took responsibility, burying his spot-kick high into the top left-hand corner.
Five minutes into the second half, Pedro wasted a glorious chance to put the result beyond doubt, blazing the ball over from 10 yards with the goal gaping after Roberto had palmed a low cross into his path.
But the Barca winger would continue to frustate the visitors and his run was abruptly halted by Iturra just after the hour mark, which earned the midfielder a second yellow having already been booked in the first half.
Despite being reduced to 10 Granada's Allan Nyom should have halved the deficit moments before Barca's third, drilling the ball straight at Pinto from close range.
And it was to prove costly as the hosts broke at speed with Neymar sliding a pass for Alexis to finish with minimum fuss.
In the final minute, Fabregas countered down the left and squared for Pedro, who slid in to convert from eight yards to cap another impressive Barcelona performance.
Barcelona cruised to victory against Granada without Lionel Messi to extend their winning run to five league games.
First-half penalties from Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas had Barca on cruise control before Lucas Alcaraz's men were reduced to 10 men following Manuel Iturra's second yellow card early in the second half.
The Blaugrana took advantage of the extra man when Alexis Sanchez struck in the 71st minute and Pedro completed the rout a minute from time at Camp Nou, making light work of Messi's enforced absence.
Barca's victory was their fifth in succession and their 13th in 14 overall in La Liga, while the setback for Granada came as a blow after winning three of their past four matches.
Barcelona made six changes from the 4-1 win over Betis a fortnight ago with Messi (hamstring) and Valdes (calf) among a host of absentees for Martino, while Granada showed three alterations from their 3-1 win over Malaga.
The hosts went close in the 14th minute as Roberto reacted smartly to parry Neymar's free-kick from the left.
But Barca did not have to wait long for the breakthrough as six minutes later Fabregas was brought down in the box by Dimitri Foulquier and Iniesta stepped up to plant the subsequent spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner.
Granada almost responded in spectacular fashion four minutes later, Piti driving forward and unleashing a thunderous effort from 25 yards that cannoned off the crossbar and behind to safety.
Jose Pinto, called in as replacement for Valdes, held Piti's 25-yard free-kick on the half-hour mark, before Barca doubled their lead five minutes before the break, again from the penalty spot.
Fran Rico brought down Iniesta as he prepared to shoot and this time Fabregas took responsibility, burying his spot-kick high into the top left-hand corner.
Five minutes into the second half, Pedro wasted a glorious chance to put the result beyond doubt, blazing the ball over from 10 yards with the goal gaping after Roberto had palmed a low cross into his path.
But the Barca winger would continue to frustate the visitors and his run was abruptly halted by Iturra just after the hour mark, which earned the midfielder a second yellow having already been booked in the first half.
Despite being reduced to 10 Granada's Allan Nyom should have halved the deficit moments before Barca's third, drilling the ball straight at Pinto from close range.
And it was to prove costly as the hosts broke at speed with Neymar sliding a pass for Alexis to finish with minimum fuss.
In the final minute, Fabregas countered down the left and squared for Pedro, who slid in to convert from eight yards to cap another impressive Barcelona performance.
Everton 3-3 Liverpool: Sturridge snatches point in thrilling derby
A late Daniel Sturridge equaliser salvaged a 3-3 draw for Liverpool against Everton in Saturday's dramatic Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Everton had looked to be on course for their first derby success since October 2010 thanks to a Romelu Lukaku double in the second half, but Sturridge headed home from a superb Steven Gerrard delivery in the 89th minute.
Philippe Coutinho was on the scoresheet after just four minutes in what was a lively opening 10 minutes, finishing from inside the six-yard box to hand his side the advantage.
Kevin Mirallas, a scorer for Belgium in midweek, was the man to bring Everton level. His first Premier League goal of the season restored parity just three minutes later.
Luis Suarez scored the game's third goal after 18 minutes, finding a gap in the Everton wall with an expertly-taken, free-kick that bent inside Tim Howard's right-hand post.
As well as sending Liverpool in ahead at the break, Suarez's goal also moved him top of the Premier League goalscoring charts with nine for the season.
Lukaku scored Everton's second equaliser after 71 before grabbing his second nine minute from time, only for Sturridge to salvage a point late on.
The home side made one change from their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, as Ross Barkley made his derby debut ahead of Leon Osman.
Brendan Rodgers, taking charge of his 50th Premier League game for Liverpool, handed John Flanagan his first derby start in place of Aly Cissokho at left-back, while Daniel Sturridge missed out with a dead leg.
Midfielder Joe Allen made his first Premier League start of the season after recovering from injury, with Suarez starting up front despite playing a full 90 minutes for Uruguay against Jordan in Montevideo on Wednesday.
After a frenetic opening, Liverpool made the ideal start when they went ahead through Coutinho after just five minutes.
The unmarked Brazilian poked home from close range after getting on the end of a Luis Suarez header from a corner - but the visitors were not in front for long.
Mirallas brought Everton level just two minutes later when Barkley's knockdown from Baines' set-piece found the Belgian, who turned the ball past compatriot Simon Mignolet.
And the goals continued to flow, as Suarez restored Liverpool's advantage after 19 minutes.
The Uruguayan, who helped his country qualify for the World Cup on Wednesday, executed a perfect free-kick from 25 yards to score his ninth goal in just seven Premier League appearances this term.
Barkley almost levelled soon after, with his curled effort forcing Mignolet into a smart save, before Mirallas threatened for Everton after beating Flanagan easily on the right.
Mirallas then caused the main controversy of the half, when his reckless challenge on Suarez was only punished with a yellow card 10 minutes before the interval.
Gerard Deulofeu, a second-half substitute for the injured Leighton Baines, had the first chance of the second half, shooting straight at Mignolet when one-on-one before Allen put wide from close range after Howard had gone to ground.
Mignolet frustrated Lukaku with two impressive saves before eventually the Everton striker drew the hosts level, sidefooting home from inside the area in the 72nd minute after a period of sustained pressure from the hosts.
Lukaku looked to have had the final say as he completed his double eight minutes from time, heading home powerfully from a corner, before Sturridge equalised late on.
Both sides then had chances to snatch an injury-time winners, with Suarez and Deulofeu threatening, but the spoils were shared after a pulsating game.
A late Daniel Sturridge equaliser salvaged a 3-3 draw for Liverpool against Everton in Saturday's dramatic Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Everton had looked to be on course for their first derby success since October 2010 thanks to a Romelu Lukaku double in the second half, but Sturridge headed home from a superb Steven Gerrard delivery in the 89th minute.
Philippe Coutinho was on the scoresheet after just four minutes in what was a lively opening 10 minutes, finishing from inside the six-yard box to hand his side the advantage.
Kevin Mirallas, a scorer for Belgium in midweek, was the man to bring Everton level. His first Premier League goal of the season restored parity just three minutes later.
Luis Suarez scored the game's third goal after 18 minutes, finding a gap in the Everton wall with an expertly-taken, free-kick that bent inside Tim Howard's right-hand post.
As well as sending Liverpool in ahead at the break, Suarez's goal also moved him top of the Premier League goalscoring charts with nine for the season.
Lukaku scored Everton's second equaliser after 71 before grabbing his second nine minute from time, only for Sturridge to salvage a point late on.
The home side made one change from their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, as Ross Barkley made his derby debut ahead of Leon Osman.
Brendan Rodgers, taking charge of his 50th Premier League game for Liverpool, handed John Flanagan his first derby start in place of Aly Cissokho at left-back, while Daniel Sturridge missed out with a dead leg.
Midfielder Joe Allen made his first Premier League start of the season after recovering from injury, with Suarez starting up front despite playing a full 90 minutes for Uruguay against Jordan in Montevideo on Wednesday.
After a frenetic opening, Liverpool made the ideal start when they went ahead through Coutinho after just five minutes.
The unmarked Brazilian poked home from close range after getting on the end of a Luis Suarez header from a corner - but the visitors were not in front for long.
Mirallas brought Everton level just two minutes later when Barkley's knockdown from Baines' set-piece found the Belgian, who turned the ball past compatriot Simon Mignolet.
And the goals continued to flow, as Suarez restored Liverpool's advantage after 19 minutes.
The Uruguayan, who helped his country qualify for the World Cup on Wednesday, executed a perfect free-kick from 25 yards to score his ninth goal in just seven Premier League appearances this term.
Barkley almost levelled soon after, with his curled effort forcing Mignolet into a smart save, before Mirallas threatened for Everton after beating Flanagan easily on the right.
Mirallas then caused the main controversy of the half, when his reckless challenge on Suarez was only punished with a yellow card 10 minutes before the interval.
Gerard Deulofeu, a second-half substitute for the injured Leighton Baines, had the first chance of the second half, shooting straight at Mignolet when one-on-one before Allen put wide from close range after Howard had gone to ground.
Mignolet frustrated Lukaku with two impressive saves before eventually the Everton striker drew the hosts level, sidefooting home from inside the area in the 72nd minute after a period of sustained pressure from the hosts.
Lukaku looked to have had the final say as he completed his double eight minutes from time, heading home powerfully from a corner, before Sturridge equalised late on.
Both sides then had chances to snatch an injury-time winners, with Suarez and Deulofeu threatening, but the spoils were shared after a pulsating game.
Atletico Madrid 7-0 Getafe: Doubles for Villa and Garcia as Simeone's side run riot
Two goals each for David Villa and Raul Garcia helped a rampant Atletico Madrid side to a 7-0 win over Getafe on Saturday.
Midfielder Garcia headed in Koke's cross to break the deadlock early on before Arda Turan's delivery was diverted into his own net by Alberto Lopo.
The visitors' task became that bit more difficult when Juan Valera was dismissed for a second yellow card, and Villa duly ended the fixture as a contest when he turned home Juanfran's cross shortly after the break having twice gone close earlier in the game.
Garcia scored his second of the night when he headed home from a Tiago delivery before missing a chance to complete his hat-trick, while Felipe Luis also missed a gilt-edged opportunity.
The goal of the night came from substitute Diego Costa, when he leaped and swivelled to power home an outrageous overhead kick for the Rojiblancos' fifth.
Fellow substitue Adrian Lopez set up Villa for his second, firing the ball across goal to allow the former Barcelona man a simple finish, and the striker added extra gloss to the scoreline when he shot low into the corner after some clever build-up play from Costa and Arda.
The resounding win moves Diego Simeone's side back above city rivals Real Madrid and to within three points of league leaders Barcelona. Getafe remain seventh, level on points with Real Sociedad.
Two goals each for David Villa and Raul Garcia helped a rampant Atletico Madrid side to a 7-0 win over Getafe on Saturday.
Midfielder Garcia headed in Koke's cross to break the deadlock early on before Arda Turan's delivery was diverted into his own net by Alberto Lopo.
The visitors' task became that bit more difficult when Juan Valera was dismissed for a second yellow card, and Villa duly ended the fixture as a contest when he turned home Juanfran's cross shortly after the break having twice gone close earlier in the game.
Garcia scored his second of the night when he headed home from a Tiago delivery before missing a chance to complete his hat-trick, while Felipe Luis also missed a gilt-edged opportunity.
The goal of the night came from substitute Diego Costa, when he leaped and swivelled to power home an outrageous overhead kick for the Rojiblancos' fifth.
Fellow substitue Adrian Lopez set up Villa for his second, firing the ball across goal to allow the former Barcelona man a simple finish, and the striker added extra gloss to the scoreline when he shot low into the corner after some clever build-up play from Costa and Arda.
The resounding win moves Diego Simeone's side back above city rivals Real Madrid and to within three points of league leaders Barcelona. Getafe remain seventh, level on points with Real Sociedad.
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